A Study of the Influences on Students' Reasons for Studying or Not Studying Mathematics. Research Report.

Brinkworth, Peter; Truran, John

This study was conducted in response to the perceived problems of growing non-participation rates of students in mathematics courses, particularly at Year 12 and beyond, and the decline in skill levels of students entering tertiary courses in science and mathematics. There are signs that mathematics has been devalued by society and the education system, one effect of which has been the decreased amount of time devoted to mathematics in the secondary curriculum which, combined with other factors, has led to a decreased number of students wishing to continue with mathematics or to pursue careers involving mathematics. A survey was conducted to address what factors are most influential on student choices to study or not to study mathematics in Year 12 and what students' views are about mathematics as a subject of study. The 393 students surveyed came from Year 12 classes in 10 South Australian secondary schools. The major factor influencing students' choice as to whether or not to study mathematics was if they considered that mathematics was needed for further study. For those who did study mathematics at Year 12, their ability to do mathematics was the other major factor while for those who didn't, it was the lack of appeal of the subject rather than their inability to do it. (Contains 56 references.) (ASK)